in the traditional sense. Yes this told a different viewpoint, but this is mostly an attempt to give a picture of his character, and there is little on objective history, events, and I found it to be pretty boring and also a condemnation of the very character Matthews seems to love so much...he is basically a ruthless politician who bought his way to the presidency. I guess thats the reality of politics.

The 1960 presidential election was the first one I remember. This book is an excellent biography of John F. Kennedy -- full of information I did not know. For example, I had no idea how sickly he was as a child and how many times he almost died from illness. Wonderful poliltical analysis. His early friendhip with Richard Nixon was unexpected as well. I highly recommend this book -- very well done.

If you’ve listened to books by Chris Matthews before, how does this one compare?

First time listener to his books.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Fast spaced, but accents were fake and some were ridiculous sounding.

Did Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

I should have known that Matthwes was too awed by his subject to write an honest biography. He could not help editing out the unpleasant side of his subject. Much information was left out to protect Kennedy. For example, it would have been interesting to learn more about the serious disagreement betweeen Kennedy and his co-author, Ted Anderson, over the authorship of Kennedy's famous book during his illness when he was still a senator. I am glad Matthews didn't go into the womanizing--we've all hard enough about that.

While I thought everything that could be written about JFK was already in the library, I was really pleased by this book. I saw JFK when I was an 8th grader in Lancaster, Pa. during his tour of the state during the campaign and I have been his fan ever since.

The honesty of this book was remarkable and it held my attention throughout. The narration was excellent. And I particularly enjoyed Matthew's narration of the prologue.

Very interesting book that provides details on President Kennedy's life that I had never known. As with other books I've read on the Kennedy brothers, I am always struck at how they never had to work but yet had plenty of money for multiple homes and lavish travel.

In this book, I wondered what the outspoken Matthews would have written had some of the things he so warmly and nicely wrote about Kennedy (e.g. breaking the law to file for his congressional election, continually running around on Jackie, getting drunk while in the White House, remaining out of the country while Jackie miscarried) had been done by a conservative like Reagan?

I guess we live in a different age now when things like drinking, smoking, sex, and all parts of one's private life are open for public scrutiny. I preferred the old system JFK and others operated in when reporters and the public respected one's private life.

If you could sum up Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero in three words, what would they be?

great presidential history

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero?

His service during WWII

What about Holter Graham’s performance did you like?

Easy to listen to and understand.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed at President Kennedy's sense of humor; and I cried at the intense pain he experienced every day of his life.

Any additional comments?

I think that this is the most comprehensive book ever written about Presiident John Kennedy. I now understand not only him, but what his wife must have suffered during their marriage. It is very difficult watching helplessly as a loved one suffers in pain. I now understand the good cop bad cop he and Bobby played during his time in the White House. Although I was young during his presidency, I still remember the thrill and excitement that his election brought to my family and the world.

Where does Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Chris Matthews has pealed away the layers og the private Jack Kennedy and through first hand accounts has given us a new understanding of a man we thought we knew. I was intrigued and surprised at the same time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack Kennedy

What does Holter Graham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Chris Mathews reads the forward and Holter Graham takes us on another wonderful piece of History with our beloved president. It's always amazes me with all the stories written there is something new you will learn...a must audio book!!!